British Airways gets tough with cabin crews

British Airways has taken a very tough stance with cabin crews who are threatening to go on strike this week over changes in working practices. Historically British Airways cabin crews have received discounts of up to 90% on their air travel costs but the company is suggesting that those who take strike action next week may well be stripped of their perks.

This is the latest development in the long running saga of friction between British Airways and the unions over changes which the company is looking to introduce to reduce its ever-growing cost base. The latest report and accounts from British Airways show losses of £401 million and a pension fund which is now severely in deficit and starting to impact upon the company's financial standing. Changes need to be made in the short term to secure the company's future but management and unions seem unable to agree on anything!

The forthcoming strike is just the latest in a long line of industrial action taken by the unions which has seen the company and unions dragged through the courts and the saga become headline news around the world. Surely at some point over the next few weeks we will see the two parties come closer together on their demands as ultimately they are playing with the future of one of the U.K.'s best-known companies!